Eastern Michigan University Student May Face Sexual Assault Charges

In early November, a student at Eastern Michigan University alleged that a friend sneaked into his dorm room and inappropriately touched him while he was sleeping. The alleged victim told police that he was sleeping at approximately 4 a.m. in his Wise Residence Hall dorm room when another male student entered his room and engaged in unwanted sexual contact with him.

The names and ages of the two men have not been released. Additionally, police Chief Bob Heighes said that the nature of the sexual contact could not be revealed, but that the man who entered the victim’s room may face a charge of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct if charges are brought.

On December 3, charges were filed against the man who allegedly entered the victim’s dorm room. It was revealed that he is 18 years old, and has been charged with sexually assaulting an incapacitated person after he entered an unlocked door to the victim’s dorm room and reportedly touched him in a sexual manner.

News reports state that the name of the perpetrator will be released when he has been arraigned. Heighes told news reporters that EMU police are attempting to get in touch with the suspect in order to convince him to turn himself in to authorities. The suspect maintained in November that he was innocent, and that no sexual assault took place.

Michigan sex crime lawyers know that in the case of sexual allegations, innocent people are often accused, particularly when those involved are friends or acquaintances. While this is not always the case, many innocent people have had their lives ruined because of false accusations.

Fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct leaves those convicted facing penalties which include up to 2 years in prison, a fine of up to $500, or both. However, being labeled a sex offender may be the worst punishment of all, as it affects your reputation, where you may live, employment, and other aspects of your life. If you have been accused of a sex-related crime, contact a capable and aggressive Michigan sex crime defense attorney right away.